Thought I'd add this addendum given that someone may happen upon this thread while thinking about buying the Sundaras. Having listened to them now for a month or so on a daily basis, I'm really beginning to like them. I don't know if it's the result of burn in, or if it's just my ears adjusting to them, but my previous concerns about the muddy lower mids no longer is an issue for me. The sound signature is still a bit "thick" for me and I'm sure I would still prefer the clarity of the HD800s (at 3x the price!), but I'm no longer feeling the necessity to move on from the Sundaras. Happy to settle in with them for a while and see what they have to offer in the long term. I also picked up a pair of balanced cables from Periapt and I don't know if it's the increased power from the balanced line on my amp or the cables themselves, but I am noticing an increased level of clarity.